The Greatest Rivalry Tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks will conclude with a match overseas. The Springboks will return to the United States for only the third time this millennium when the 2026 edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry concludes with the historic fourth and final Test in Baltimore, Maryland. Rugby’s most iconic rivalry is going to the United States for the first time, with the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens welcoming the two teams on September 12 this year.
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour includes games between New Zealand and South Africa’s four franchise teams, and three Tests between the Springboks and the All Blacks on South African soil. Fans will also get to witness a double header in Johannesburg between the Black Ferns and Springbok Women before the tour heads to the US. Both the Springboks and the All Blacks have a history of playing matches on US soil.
New Zealand have played numerous games in Chicago in recent years, taking on Ireland and USA, as well as in San Diego (v Fiji) and Washington DC (v USA). South Africa faced the USA in Houston in 2001 and visited Washington DC in 2018 to face Wales. The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States.
Read Full Article on The Mercury
[paywall]
As the region builds toward hosting Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s), World Rugby and member unions are partnering to strategically position premium international rugby in key US markets. “Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby and the opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. Friday 7 August:Stormers v All Blacks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town Tuesday 11 August:Sharks v All Blacks, Kings Park, Durban Saturday 15 August:Bulls v All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Saturday 22 August:Springboks v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)
[/paywall]
